Celebrating Canada Day: A Tribute to the True North Strong and Free!
- Mary-Gail Durst
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Every year on July 1, Canadians across the country and around the world come together to celebrate Canada Day — a day that marks the birth of our nation and everything that makes this country special.
On July 1, 1867, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain, uniting the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into one nation. Since then, Canada has grown into a diverse, welcoming, and proudly multicultural country — known for its natural beauty, peacekeeping spirit, innovation, and, of course, maple syrup, poutine and hockey.
What Makes Canada Special?
Diversity and Inclusion: Canada is built on Indigenous traditions and enriched by people from all over the globe. Today, it stands as a beacon of multiculturalism, where differences are not just tolerated but celebrated.
Natural Wonders: From the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic to the towering Rockies in the west, Canada is home to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.
Kindness and Respect: The classic Canadian stereotype of being “too polite” isn't far from the truth — respect and kindness are woven into the fabric of Canadian identity.
Innovation and Creativity: From tech to literature, science to the arts, Canadians have made a global impact. Inventions such as insulin, pacemakers and goalie masks, writers such as Lucy Maud Montgomery and Margaret Atwood, entertainers from Martin Short, Michael J. Fox, Anne Murray and Gordon Lightfoot, to The Tragically Hip and more.
Canada Day is more than fireworks (though those are spectacular). It’s a day for backyard barbeques, concerts in the park, parades, flag-waving, and time with family and friends. Cities from coast to coast put on festivities big and small, and many communities recognize and honour Indigenous Peoples, whose history and land form the foundation of Canada itself.
This is also a day for reflection — to acknowledge our history in full, including the challenges and injustices Indigenous communities have faced and continue to face. Celebrating Canada means celebrating progress and committing to the work that still lies ahead.
❤️ From My Heart to Yours
Whether you're watching fireworks over the harbour, hiking in the backcountry, or simply spending time with loved ones, I hope this Canada Day brings joy, gratitude, and pride. Here’s to Canada — its people, its spirit, and its future!
Happy Canada Day! Bonne fête du Canada!
Mary-Gail Durst
780-289-2385
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